Innholdsfortegnelse for 02-Mar-2021 i Woman's Weekly

The boundaries of beauty It is said that you can roughly date a British hedgerow by the amount of woody plants to be found in a 30m length – generally speaking, a new species is added every 100 years – and it seems many of our field boundaries are truly ancient. It’s sobering, in the midst of our current pandemic, that some of them will have been growing through the Great Plague of the 17th century or even the medieval Black Death. And with that age has come great beauty, as a host of herbaceous plants too – primroses, bluebells, ferns and many more – create a wonderful wildlife habitat. Find out more on page 10.…

Look what I made I wanted to make something that my grandchildren would enjoy and that would also be educational. I found this old WW pattern for an alphabet blanket (which can also be hung on the wall), and I’m delighted with the result. I put the knitted toys that go with the letters in a ‘feely bag’, so the children could guess which was which by feeling them. Julie Mason, Lincolnshire Walks aplenty Since travel has been restricted, my husband John and I are exploring locally. We are very lucky to have within walking distance a nature reserve and two large parks that cover some 150 acres. And on one amazing walk by the River Wear, we were thrilled to see a family of otters splashing about in the…

“Television has kept me going over the past year. I’ve binge-watched hours, whizzing through entire box sets in days. At one point I was in danger of completing Netflix. My lockdown’s probably been longer than yours, though of course it’s not a competition. This time last year, anxiety about the world going to hell in a handcart set off some pretty bad asthma attacks. Even though I’ve been working as a fitness instructor for the past 14 years, I was suddenly categorised as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and advised to shield, before official lockdown. ‘Even the kitten had had enough’ At least I can crack on with the writing, I told myself, watching friends thrive by making sourdough, completing million-piece puzzles and learning the tuba. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t read,…

Coping with… OVARIAN CANCER Cancer of the ovary is one of the common female cancers, especially for over 50s The ovaries are a pair of organs in the lower abdomen, which store and produce your eggs for reproduction. Cancer of the different cells within the ovaries is most common after the menopause and can be slow to notice at first. Symptoms include feeling bloated, lower abdomen or pelvis discomfort, fullness after small meals, needing to pee frequently and abdominal swelling. The cause is unknown, but there is a genetic link. Be more aware if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer. Other risk factors include a small increased risk if you are using HRT or have had endometriosis, being overweight, a lack of exercise, smoking…

I’m overcome with grief Q I had a horrible year last year. My father and mother died; they were elderly and I miss them desperately. My husband was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment, and my daughter’s marriage has failed and she has come back home. I am overwhelmed with grief. When will it go away or at least get easier? Name and address withheld AI’m sorry you had such a difficult year with so many losses and potential losses. In my opinion, grief never fully goes away but it changes from being acute into something you know is there and which is sometimes triggered by events or memories. It’s OK to be sad, and to express it and to share your feelings. I know you’re having to be…

YOU WILL NEED: ✣ Terracotta plant pot ✣ White chalk paint ✣ Mod Podge ✣ Black paint ✣ Paint palette ✣ Alphabet stamps ✣ Hot glue gun with glue ✣ Twine ✣ Compost ✣ Grit ✣ Plant of choice 1 Remove any dust or dirt from the plant pot. Apply the white chalk paint to the entire pot, allow to dry completely and apply a second coat if needed. 2 Once dry, apply a coat of Mod Podge to the inside of the planter to seal. 3 Place a small amount of black paint on the palette and spread it out to a thin layer. Push the alphabet stamps into the black paint and stamp your chosen phrase onto the front of the pot. 4 Using the hot glue gun,…

MEASUREMENTS To fit ages 6-12 (12-18) (18-24) months. Actual measurements 53 (56) (59) cm/ 21 (22) (23¼) in. Side seam 16 (18.5) (20) cm/6¼ (7¼) (8) in. Length to back neck 27 (30) (33) cm/10½ (11¾) (13) in. Sleeve seam (with cuff turned back) 17 (19) (21) cm/6¾ (7½) (8¼) in. MATERIALS 4 (4) (5) 50g (165m) balls of Sirdar Snuggly DK (55% Nylon, 45% Acrylic) in Cream (Rice Pud 446) and a small amount in Blue (Soldier Blue 412)*. Size 3mm and 3.5mm crochet hooks; 4 buttons. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk. TENSION 22 stitches and 24 rows, to 10 x 10cm over pattern, using 3.5mm hook. ABBREVIATIONS Ch, chain; dc, double crochet; st(s), stitch(es); slst, slip stitch; patt, pattern; dc2tog, [insert hook in next st, yarn round hook…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Take time out to enjoy the smaller pleasures in life. You can become too caught up in fulfilling your ‘to do’ list. TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May This week is a wonderful time for developing your ideas into a new project, or as the basis for launching a business. GEMINI 22 May – 21 Jun An important relationship may require more of your attention. If you are prepared to put in the effort, you will be very pleased with the results. CANCER 22 Jun – 23 Jul Studying is under favourable aspects for you, making it a good time to start an online course, seminar or workshop. LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug This week, see if you can take a small risk…

“Mr Dear could not have looked more shifty if he’d been spotted outside a jeweller’s shop at midnight in a Sid James mask, a striped top, and carrying a large sack marked with the word ÔSwag’. And it was such a simple question too. ‘Hello, dear,’ I’d said as he appeared at the breakfast table. ‘What are you up to today then? Got any plans?’ You could virtually see the cogs ticking over in what passes for his brain. ‘Nothing special,’ he said. ‘Although Jane asked if I’d give her a hand with some jobs around the house.’ ‘Oh, she did, did she?’ ‘Yes,’ he said, staring into a packet of Alpen. ‘She needs a bit of flooring done.’ ‘That’s a polite word for what Jane needs.’ To anybody who…

During my quiet time I love to sit and knit my own creations, and I have always used your pages for inspiration. Throughout lockdown, I have spent many evenings sitting in my chair and knitting these own-pattern designs. I made a baby doll with a sleeping bag as a gift for my niece, and a scarf for my other niece’s baby too! I hope the girls like them, as a lot of time, love and care went into every stitch. I totally encourage your readers to take up this hobby or something similar, as it is very calming and therapeutic, plus it keeps your fingers agile and supple, and gives you something to do on these days of isolation and lockdown. Tina Kemp, Norfolk…

WHERE I’VE BEEN Nowhere! But I’ve sat in my pink car outside my flat to charge the battery, as it hasn’t moved since you know what. WHO I’VE MET Nobody. Well, I shouted to Tony our postman through the letter box yesterday, which was a highlight. WHAT I’VE SEEN Nothing. Except I’m thrilled to report that some of my bulbs are coming up. It’s a sign! Otherwise, rather too much of my four cats. WHAT I’VE BOUGHT A bright pink feather boa to celebrate my book launch.…

✢ Your specialist will discuss the treatment that is best for your cancer type, stage and grade, usually a combination of surgery and cycles of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. ✢ Some cancer types respond to targeted therapies olaparib and niraparib – medicines that change the way that cells work, helping to stop cancer from growing and spreading. ✢ Research into newer, better treatments is ongoing through clinical trials. If you are interested, ask your care team whether you may be suitable for participating. ✢ For advice, information on treatments, and research and support, look online at: Cancer Research UK (cancerresearchuk.org), Macmillan (macmillan.org.uk) and Ovacome (ovacome.org.uk)…

Coming Home to Brightwater Bay by Holly Hepburn (£7.99, PB, Simon & Schuster) Holly Hepburn whisks us off to the Orkney Islands, where her latest novel is set. Merina Wilde thought she had it all – a writing career and the love of a childhood sweetheart – until it was all taken away. To rediscover her passion for writing she heads to a secluded cottage. With warm characters, a thrilling location and a lot of feel-good, this is a joyous read! The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home by Joanna Nell (£18.99, HB, Hodder & Stoughton) Solitary by nature, Hattie Bloom is a very reluctant resident at Woodlands nursing home. But things pick up after she is taken under the wing of the Night Owls, a twilight club. Joanna Nell…

1 Sow basil Start germinating basil seeds indoors, sowing a few more seeds than you need. Water lightly and place in a propagator or on a bright windowsill. 2 Plant beans Sow broad beans, like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’, outdoors in southern, sheltered areas. Put directly in well-drained soil and harvest delicious beans as early as May. 3 Position supports Place supports in your garden now, so that any plants in need of a helping hand can easily grow up through them this spring.…

MO GARDINER, 65 Tell us about your look I like a smart/casual look. I’m petite so I have to look around to find the right fit. Jigsaw is my favourite place to shop and these jeans are from there. I bought my aviator jacket from Celtic Sheepskin. It’s an investment piece that I’ll love for years. My beret was a gift and my shoes are by Camper. And the best bit of your body? My hands. I love to give myself a manicure. CHARLOTTE DAVIES, 36 Tell us about your look I’d say my look is very eclectic. I’m actually a costume designer and make most of my own clothes. The rest is a mix of charity shop, car boot sales and high street finds. I made my tartan trousers,…

‘I feel like a sensible big sister’ Madeleine Slater-Vaughan, 68, is a specialist mentor at Birmingham City University and lives in Worcestershire. Steff’s first words to me were, ‘Sit there and take notes.’ It wasn’t a warm welcome, but as an experienced teacher and support assistant, I wasn’t fazed. Steff has autism, so when I was assigned to help her in September 2013, I knew it would take time to gain her trust. At the time, Steff was in her final year of a BTEC in Media Studies at North East Worcestershire College, Redditch. She’d seen several support assistants come and go, but once she realised I was truly on her side, we became friends. In July 2014, Steff passed her BTEC with distinction and we were both delighted. Then…

The best steps to help EASE ANXIETY Anxiety often flares up when you believe something terrible is going to happen and you won’t be able to cope, presenting worst-case scenarios and preventing rational thoughts from prevailing. But no amount of excessive worrying will prepare you for what will or won’t happen. The key is to challenge those thoughts. Ground yourself with a simple breathing exercise – breathe in for a count of four, hold for two and breathe out for a count of six. It will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps relax your fight or flight response. Catch, challenge and change your thoughts into something more helpful. Establish a good night-time routine. Don’t watch anything too stimulating or frightening, and turn off your phone and social media…

1 AVOID SPICY FOODS Or high alcohol intakes, which can reduce the efficacy of natural gut microbiomes, which help our immunity. 2 DON’T TAKE FOOD RISKS Eat food within use-by dates, don’t risk food with damaged covering or that smells odd. Don’t refreeze foods and always ensure thorough cooking. 3 TRAVEL SMART If travelling, only drink bottled fluids, eat peeled fruit or veg and well-cooked dishes. Street food is riskier, especially containing meat or seafood. 4 TRY PROBIOTICS If you’ve been on a course of antibiotics, take probiotics containing ‘healthy’ bacteria to repopulate your gut with all the microbes we need.…

Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson (£14.99, HB, Pan Macmillan) The follow-up to Laura’s award-winning debut Blood & Sugar, this enthralling novel sweeps us back to the late eighteenth century, and into a world of pleasure gardens, brothels and masquerade balls. When Caroline ‘Caro’ Corsham finds a well-dressed woman is wounded, police are quick to act until they realise she is a prostitute – but Caroline has her own motives for seeking justice. With an awe-inspiring female lead, this book is an absolute triumph.…